Business & Sales Tax Licenses

It is unlawful for any person to engage in business in the city without first obtaining the appropriate licenses.  NOTE:  The issuance of an account number does not mean the license to operate has been approved.

Registrations are reviewed by a variety of city departments to ensure compliance with building, land use, taxation and other laws and regulations. Submit the registration with sufficient time for review and approval prior to the start of business. 

Review process for a Westminster Commercial Business/Sales and Use Tax License.

Review process for a Westminster Home Occupation Business/Sales and Use Tax License.

Review process for a Westminster Sales and Use Tax (only) License.

Commercial based businesses must complete and submit the Business Registration Form to obtain a General Business/Sales and Use Tax License.  When submitted, the application will go through multiple steps  before the approval is given to the City Clerk’s office to issue a license that allows your business to operate legally from a commercial location within the City of Westminster.  Generally a license will be issued within 2-3 weeks.

Every business operating in a commercial building, within the city limits, is required to obtain this license.  

A separate license is required for each location in the city.

Certain Specialty Licenses may also apply.

 Businesses that want to sell liquor must have the appropriate Liquor License. 

Pet Shops require an additional license.   

Businesses with pool tables or coin operated game machines are required to obtain an Amusement Machine License and pay a $40 fee for each machine. 

Commercial businesses that also make catalog or internet sales must complete the Business Registration Form to obtain a Sales Tax Only License and report all such sales separately from sales at locations within the city. 

There is no fee for this license.

Home-based businesses must complete and submit the Business Registration Form and the Home Occupation Supplemental Registration.   When submitted, the application will go through multiple steps before the approval is given to the City Clerk’s office to issue a license that allows your business to operate legally from a home within the City of Westminster.  Generally a license will be issued within 2-3 weeks.

A Home Occupation/Sales and Use Tax License is required for every business using a home within the city limits, for their business or as their business address. 

There is no fee for this license.  

SALES TAX ONLY LICENSE

If the business location is not within the city limits, but is leasing equipment or selling a product (including catalog and internet sales) within the city, a Sales Tax License is required.  

Complete and submit the Business Registration Form indicating "Out of City Location" in Box 8.  When submitted, the application will go through a few steps before the approval is given to the City Clerk’s office to issue a license with an account number for remitting sales tax to Westminster.  Generally a license can be issued within 7 days.

There is no fee for this license.  

NOTE: Contractors coming into the city generally do not need a Sales Tax License, but do need to register with the Building Division in order to pull a construction permit.

 SPECIALTY LICENSES

Individual/Sole Proprietors must also complete and submit the Verification of Lawful Presence.  

NOTE: This form must be notarized or presented in person, at the City Clerk's Office, with an authorized form of identification.

To change any information (such as location, phone number, mailing address, ownership or to renew an existing license), use the Business Registration Form indicating "Update Information for Account" in Box 6.  

Please provide the current account number.

NO permit is required for door-to-door soliciting. However, the appropriate Sales Tax License is required for all local, home based or remote businesses selling goods or merchandise via door-to-door.  Complete the Business Registration Form to obtain this license. 

It shall be unlawful for any person to solicit or attempt to solicit or to invite or attempt to discuss, verbally or in written form, ideas and issues, or distribute written information, at any private residence which has been posted with a sign stating "no solicitations," "no trespass" or a sign with similar meaning.

Solicitors shall be allowed to solicit in residential areas between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.